The last few months have been pretty manic which unfortunately has meant I’m a little behind on my reading – something I’m trying to remedy as we speak. A book that has been patiently waiting on my TBR trolley is The Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick which the lovely folks at HQ kindly sent to me , so massive thanks to them. I hope you enjoy (eventually) being able to read my thoughts on this bookish novel – P.S. I absolutely adore the cover of the proof copy, what do you think?
About The Book
Librarian Martha Storm has always found it easier to connect with books than people, though not for lack of trying. She keeps careful lists of how to help others in her notebook. And yet, sometimes it feels like she’s invisible.
All of that changes when a mysterious book arrives on her doorstep. Inside, Martha finds a dedication written to her by her grandmother Zelda, who died under mysterious circumstances years earlier. When Martha discovers a clue within the book that her grandmother may still be alive, she becomes determined to discover the truth. As she delves deeper into Zelda’s past, she unwittingly reveals a family secret that will change her life forever.
Review
Martha is approaching middle-age, single and working as a volunteer librarian. She spends her time taking on the tasks that her friends, colleagues and customers can’t or won’t do in an attempt to make herself feel needed and useful.
This is the life she has been left with after selflessly giving up her hopes and dreams to take care of her elderly parents and she’s more than stuck in a rut. That is until the delivery of a mysterious book which not only has a personal dedication to her inside, but is filled with stories she created as a child. To discover the truth Martha must turn detective and use the clues she has, but will she like what she discovers?
Any novel that has a bookish/library hook piques my interest and this offering was no different. It’s a wonderfully quick, heartwarming read threaded with a hint of mystery and plenty of bookish nods throughout. I absolutely loved Martha’s character ;she is written so realistically I could feel her emotions coming off the page as I read. Martha’s journey of self-discovery is one that I could really empathise with, as I’m sure many others would too, and one that I adored reading. This book has a bit of everything; family, love and lies alongside a gigantic reminder to live life to the full, giving it that wonderful feel-good vibe.
Whilst the story line is somewhat predictable it’s well-executed and kept me engaged throughout – what more could you ask for from a book? The Library of Lost and Found would make the perfect light-hearted holiday read or for those times when you need something that isn’t too ‘heavy’. It’s the first of Phaedra Patrick’s novels I’ve read, but am keen to read her other books and will be adding them to my reading list as I really enjoyed her easy writing style.
About The Author
Phaedra Patrick studied art and marketing and has worked as a stained glass artist, film festival organiser and communications manager. An award-winning short story writer, she now writes full time in Saddleworth where she lives with her family.
Her debut novel, The Curious Charms Of Arthur Pepper*
Author Links: Website | Twitter | Facebook | Instagram
The Library of Lost and Found is available to purchase from Amazon*
Fraser’s Fun House 